Pennsylvania DEP Fines Lead Smelter for Air Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined Exide Technologies $225,000 for air quality violations at the company’s Berks County lead smelting facility. The DEP says that the facility failed to operate lead detectors for extended periods of time from 2006 to 2009.

“The smelting process creates air pollution emissions, and these detectors are important to identifying when lead is released into the atmosphere,” says Rachel Diamond, DEP’s South-central regional director. “By returning these monitors to constant operation, Exide is again using its resources to protect the air for residents in the surrounding communities.”

The baghouse detectors used by Exide are machines that filter and capture dust emissions. Additional violations included failure to report system malfunctions promptly and causing malodors beyond the company’s property. Diamond said Exide has corrected the violations and no documented malodor violations have been recorded since October 2008.

“In recent years, Exide has taken steps to reverse the trend of violations at the site,” Diamond adds. “However, it is counterproductive to allow key emissions monitoring equipment to be inoperable. Exide must make every effort to maintain and operate its facility in the most efficient and effective manner possible.”

Exide continues to operate under the terms of a 2007 consent order and agreement to address malodor issues at the site, according to Pennsylvania DEP news release. The company has submitted to DEP a renewal application for its Title V operating permit. DEP is reviewing the comments received at a public hearing held in November on the permit renewal.